Advertising Codes

The Advertising Codes lay down rules for advertisers and media owners to follow. They include general rules that state advertising must be responsible, must not mislead, or offend, and specific rules that cover advertising to children and ads for alcohol, gambling, motoring, health and financial products.

Key principles

This section explains the key principles behind both the CAP Code (UK Code of Non-broadcast Advertising, Sales Promotion and Direct Marketing), and the BCAP Code (The UK Code of Broadcast Advertising).

CAP Code

This 12th edition of The UK Code of Non-broadcast Advertising, Sales Promotion and Direct Marketing came into force on 1 September 2010. It replaces all other editions. This Code relates to non-broadcast ads only.

BCAP Code

This first edition of the BCAP Code came into force on 1 September 2010. It replaces the four previous
separate BCAP Codes for broadcast advertising.

Industry zone

A secure zone for CAP and BCAP panel members and Ad Alerts subscribers.

Industry Zone

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Copy Advice

Need advice on your campaign? Our dedicated website brings together AdviceOnline database and all essential news, help and guidance for non-broadcast advertisers under one roof.

Copy Advice website

Updated Advice and Guidance Notes

We have updated our guidance to help you comply with the new Advertising Codes. Visit this section for self-help tools and contact details for Copy Advice.

Advice and guidance notes

Hard copies of the new Advertising Codes

Order your hard copy of the new CAP and BCAP Codes.

How to order

Events training programme

Check out the dates for this year's training and advice seminars for advertisers, agencies and media owners on advertising regulation.

Go to Events

FAQs

Have you got a question about CAP and BCAP and how the system works?

Visit FAQs section